Duba Explorers Camp | Best Botswana Safari Lodges

The place

All around me are views of the floodplains of the Okavango Delta, alive with a chorus of bullfrogs, myriad birds and even, on occasions like today, the snorts and grunts of nearby hippo. Here, at the heart of the delta, it’s lush and jungle-like – a world of interconnecting waterways, palm-dotted islands, floodplains and woodland best explored by boat, or by the specially-adapted ‘swamp’ vehicles (with higher suspension and bigger tyres) of Duba Explorers Camp. This fine Botswanan safari lodge – the only one in the private 31,000ha reserve – is located on a wooded island, accessed via an elaborate and exciting set of bridges.

All around me are views of the floodplains of the Okavango Delta, alive with a chorus of bullfrogs, myriad birds and even, on occasions like today, the snorts and grunts of nearby hippo.

Here, at the heart of the delta, it’s lush and jungle-like – a world of interconnecting waterways, palm-dotted islands, floodplains and woodland best explored by boat, or by the specially-adapted ‘swamp’ vehicles (with higher suspension and bigger tyres) of Duba Explorers Camp.

This fine Botswanan safari lodge – the only one in the private 31,000ha reserve – is located on a wooded island, accessed via an elaborate and exciting set of bridges.

The room

After sundowners under the sweeping canvas of the open-sided deck, we eat a sumptuous meal under the stars, which are brilliant in a sky with no other light distractions. We join the other guests for a nightcap at the firepit afterwards, listening to stories of wildlife encounters we can’t wait to experience for ourselves come morning. It’s warm, but there’s a slight chill in the air, a welcome respite after the afternoon’s heat. We walk hand in hand to our suite, one of only six in camp, feeling romantic under the starlit sky. Our room does little to dispel that sense of romance; an expedition-style tent of light, airy canvas set on a raised deck, with views out into the floodplains of the delta (cast now in the moon’s soft, silvery glow). Persian carpets, soaring ceilings covered in fabric, ivory canvas walls and a king-sized bed dressed in royal blue – and draped in mosquito nets – combine to make us feel like we’re on a safari of yesteryear. Cuddling up together in the soft comfort of our bed, we can almost believe we’re among the first to explore this lush land, while the call of hyena serenade us to sleep.

After sundowners under the sweeping canvas of the open-sided deck, we eat a sumptuous meal under the stars, which are brilliant in a sky with no other light distractions. We join the other guests for a nightcap at the firepit afterwards, listening to stories of wildlife encounters we can’t wait to experience for ourselves come morning.

It’s warm, but there’s a slight chill in the air, a welcome respite after the afternoon’s heat. We walk hand in hand to our suite, one of only six in camp, feeling romantic under the starlit sky. Our room does little to dispel that sense of romance; an expedition-style tent of light, airy canvas set on a raised deck, with views out into the floodplains of the delta (cast now in the moon’s soft, silvery glow).

Persian carpets, soaring ceilings covered in fabric, ivory canvas walls and a king-sized bed dressed in royal blue – and draped in mosquito nets – combine to make us feel like we’re on a safari of yesteryear. Cuddling up together in the soft comfort of our bed, we can almost believe we’re among the first to explore this lush land, while the call of hyena serenade us to sleep.

What sets it apart

I love the intimate nature of Duba Explorers Camp, where just six tents are the only signs of human life on a completely private concession, home to large herds of red lechwe (found only in wetlands) and tsessebe, leopard, elephant and even giraffe. As fans of the National Geographic filmmaking and conservationist team, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, we were thrilled to be able to support this intimate, colonial-style safari camp in the delta, which feels like it’s in the heart of Africa. Unlike the colonialists of old, however, the Jouberts have ensured the upliftment of the local people. In exchange for the lease of their ancestral land for wildlife conservation, they provide substantial benefits to the community, employing staff from five communities. It’s clear to see that the camp is making a positive difference – guides are well trained and excited to share their knowledge, staff go the extra mile to ensure you are having the best time of your life, and wildlife in this conserved area of the Okavango Delta is booming.

I love the intimate nature of Duba Explorers Camp, where just six tents are the only signs of human life on a completely private concession, home to large herds of red lechwe (found only in wetlands) and tsessebe, leopard, elephant and even giraffe.

As fans of the National Geographic filmmaking and conservationist team, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, we were thrilled to be able to support this intimate, colonial-style safari camp in the delta, which feels like it’s in the heart of Africa.

Unlike the colonialists of old, however, the Jouberts have ensured the upliftment of the local people. In exchange for the lease of their ancestral land for wildlife conservation, they provide substantial benefits to the community, employing staff from five communities.

It’s clear to see that the camp is making a positive difference – guides are well trained and excited to share their knowledge, staff go the extra mile to ensure you are having the best time of your life, and wildlife in this conserved area of the Okavango Delta is booming.

At a glance

Intimate safari lodge with only six tented suites.
Private reserve, private vehicles available (additional cost), flexible schedules and professional binoculars provided.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, seasonal fishing, boating (additional cost) and spa treatments (additional cost).
Children from six years old are welcome (or younger if the camp is booked exclusively) and kids’ programme is in place.

Intimate safari lodge with only six tented suites.
Private reserve, private vehicles available (additional cost), flexible schedules and professional binoculars provided.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, seasonal fishing, boating (additional cost) and spa treatments (additional cost).
Children from six years old are welcome (or younger if the camp is booked exclusively) and kids’ programme is in place.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.